The Captiva Island Historical Society recently elected area resident Lori Adams to its board of directors.

Lori and her husband Nick Adams have a successful photography business, Nick Adams Photography, on Sanibel. They also produce The Sanibel Captiva Guide, tourism videos about the islands which can be seen on YouTube and other social media platforms.

Lori (Pinnicks) Adams, who grew up in Ohio, first visited Sanibel and Captiva during her childhood in the 1970s. Her uncle, Rick Kennedy and his wife, lived on Sanibel for over 40 years and helped develop local landmarks such as Signal Inn, The Timbers, Will’s Landing (now Tutti Pazzi) and many others.

Before moving to Southwest Florida, Adams traveled the world as a staff member for Royal Caribbean Cruises. While working as a youth activities coordinator on board, she met her husband, a native of England, who worked as a cruise photographer.

The logistical difficulties of traveling on different cruise routes convinced the couple to try a new adventure. They moved to Essex, England in 1994, where they opened a photography business. They married and had their first son Max, now 26.

Over the years, as other members of her family settled in Southwest Florida, Lori Adams continued to visit Sanibel and Captiva. In 1998, she and Nick decided to move to Fort Myers and opened Nick Adams Photography on Sanibel. They also added two daughters to the family, Brooke (21) and McKenna (20), both current students at Florida State University.

Adams has seen many changes to the islands over the years and has a great interest in the history of the area.

“A highlight of our time here has been creating numerous historical videos that celebrate the islands' unique past,” Adams said of the some of the work she and her husband undertake.

Her dedication to island history includes volunteering at the Sanibel Historical Village and Museum.

“I’m really excited to join the Captiva Island Historical Society Board,” Adams added. “I’m an avid collector of books and other items about Sanibel and Captiva history. I had a huge collection. Unfortunately, I lost most of it after Hurricane Ian. But I’m starting up again.”

The photography business, located on Periwinkle Way, also sustained significant damage and loss of equipment during that hurricane, like so many others. The couple is dedicated to helping the extended community get through these difficult times.

“Our board is extremely pleased and fortunate that Lori, who has a long-standing connection to the islands, will be bringing her media talents and extensive experience creating historical videos to the Captiva Island Historical Society,” said CIHS Board President Tom Libonate.

To learn more about the historical society, check out the above menu of our website and join us for one of our many educational and entertaining programs.